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The PROPHECY 



A PLAY 

Of the Days of Persecution 

Under Henry VHI 

of England. 

(.For Male Characters.) 



BY 
Rev. Arthur T. Coughlan, C. SS. R. 



ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, 
NORTHEAST, PENNA. 



««g«?«ifg«g«« vs^v&mnvinvi 



m '^ '^ m n ^ n 



The PROPHECY 



A PLAY 

Of the Days of Persecution 

Under Henry VIII 

of England. 

(For Male Characters.) 



BY 
Rev. Arthur T. Coughlan, C. SS. R. 



ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, 

NORTHEAST, PENNA. 



^«|}i^9^^^^^Ji^i^^^lS 






"^ Copyrighted 1911, by Rev. Arthur T. Coughlan. 



Cl.J) 234 41 

^MP92-008937 



CHARACTERS. 



1^ 



iENRY PERCY, Earl of Northumberland. 

EDMUND, son of the Earl. 

RICHARD PERCY, nephew of the Earl. 

JOHN HOUGHTON, Prior of the London Charter 
House. 

HUMPHREY MIDDLEMORE, oldest of the Car- 
thusians. 

SEBASTIAN NEWDIGATE, youngest of the Car- 
thusians. 

WILLIAM, an old retainer of the Northumberlands. 

ROBERT, ) ^ • , XT 1 u 1 1 r •, 

^ /'Servants m the Northumberland family 
THOMAS, i 

LAYTON LEGH, a lay servant of the Charter 
House. 

ROBIN RUFF, a gaoler in the Tower of London. 

CROMWELL, a captain of soldiers. 

FIRST OLD SAILOR. 

SECOND OLD SAILOR. 

FIRST YOUNG SAILOR. 

SECOND YOUNG SAILOR. 

MESSENGER. 

Carthusian Monks, Soldiers, Peasants, Rabble. 



SKETCH OF THE PLAY. 



Act I. 



Anno Domini 1535. A drawing-room in Percy 
Hall, the manor house of the Northumberlands. Ser- 
vants' frolic rebuked by Richard. The latter's base 
ambition. The Earl and Richard plot the death of 
the Charter House monks and the robbery of the 
monastic property. Edmund is commissioned by his 
father to carry to the Carthusians an important r^yal 
document. Northumberland pleads in vain with his 
son to take the Supremac}^ Oath. 

Act II. 

Scene 1. Chapter Hall of the Charter House. 
Richard enlists the aid of Layton Legh for the fur- 
therance of his schemes. General assembly of the 
Carthusian community. The Prior informs the 
monks of the King's demand that they take the 
Supremacy Oath. The brethren all refuse the Oath. 
Whilst the Carthusians are engaged in prayer, a 
band of soldiers led by the Earl, and followed by a 
mob, break into the monastery. The monks elect 
to die rather than swear the sacrilegious Oath. The 
Prior's prophecy. The Carthusians are conducted 
off to prison. 

Scene 2. A cell in the Tower of London. The 
Prior in chains. Edmund's repentance for having 
yielded to his father's entreaties to take the Oath. 
The Prior's second prophecy. Soldiers lead away 
the Prior to execution at Tyburn. Layton Legh 
worms from gaoler an account of Edmund's colloquy 
with the Prior. 

Act III. 

Scene 1. An apartment in Percy Hall. Ser- 
vants revenge themselves on Layton Legh. North- 
umberland rejoices over his orospects for the future. 
Legh, after exacting a promise of reward, reveals 
to the Earl his son's renunciation of the Supremacy 



Oath and intention of fleeing from England. Ed- 
mund meets his father, and retracts his oath, and 
manifests his determination to leave home. The Earl 
in a blind rage attempts to kill his son. Edmund 
flees. Richard hastens to denounce his cousin to the 
authorities. Northumberland's remorse. 

Scene 2. A wharf on the seaboard of England. 
A sailor's yarn, and a song of the sea. Richard and 
the Earl trace Edmund's steps to the dock of a sea- 
port, only to find that he has just taken ship for 
France. Farewell letter of Edmund to his father. 
Grief of the latter. 

Act IV. 

Scene 1. A. D. 1545, ten years later. Former 
chapter hall of the Charter House, which latter is at 
present the city residence of the Earl of Northum- 
berland. Edmund, now a priest, has returned to 
England by commission of the Pope. He visits his 
father's home. The hallowed chapter hall awakens 
in him sweet and bitter memories. He prays for 
the conversion of his father. Richard recognizes 
his cousin, and hurries away to fetch the soldiers for 
his arrest. After Edmund's departure from the 
room, the Earl enters, and discloses intense bitter- 
ness of soul. He prays to our Lady to bring back 
his son. Layton breaks in upon him, and boldly de- 
mands the money promised years before by North- 
umberland. The latter refuses to accede to the 
demand, and endeavors to oust Layton. Layton 
draws dagger and stabs the Earl. Servants seize the 
assassin, and hold him for the police. Edmund 
absolves his father. Death of Earl. Richard enters, 
and at sight of dead body recalls fearfully the Prior's 
prophecy. Edmund strives in vain to rouse his 
cousin to repentance. Entrance of soldiers. Lay- 
ton confesses his crime. Edmund is arrested. Will- 
liam gives himself up to a martyr's death. Edmund 
and William are led oflf to the Tower. Remorse and 
fear haunt Richard's soul. 

Scene 2. A woods in the suburbs of London. 
Edmund and William have escaped from prison 



through the aid of Robin Ruff, and are fleeing to the 
sea-coast to board a vessel leaving England. Rich- 
ard conies upon them in wild terror and remorse. 
He beholds in imagination the execution of Edmund. 
Stabs himself. Edmund, at the sacrifice of his life, 
endeavors to save his cousin's soul. Richard dies in 
despair. Soldiers rush in upon Edmund, and prepare 
to lead him directly to the place of execution. Ed- 
mund in prayer is comforted by a vision of heaven. 
"Now dost Thou dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, ac:- 
cording to Thy word, in peace." 




THE PROPHECY. 
Act I. 

Time — Anno Domini 1535. Evening. 

SCENE — A drawing-room in Percy Hall, the 
manor house of the Earl of Northumberland. A 
military cloak, a sword belt, and a coronet lie on a 
table. 

Servant Thomas. (Short and stout. Polish- 
ing the Earl's sword.) My lord returns home 
late as usual. (Replaces sword in scabbard. 
Looking at the military cloak, etc., on table.) 
I wonder how I would look in these trappings. 
(Robes himself in long cloak.) This does not 
quite suit my shape. (He places coronet on his 
head, and squeezes the sword-belt about his 
waist. Admiring himself.) Ah ! why was I 
not born the son of a duke ! 

Servant Robert. (Tall and thin. Entering 
L.) Ha, ha, ha. 

Thomas. (Brandishing sword.) Can I be- 
lieve my ears? Ha-haing at the Duke of Lan- 
caster ! Avaunt base fellow, or by my blue 
blood I will pierce thy entrails with this blade. 

Robert. (Sneering.) You'd make a fine look- 
ing duke, Tom. 

Thomas. I wouldn't need the looks if I were 
a genuine duke. Most of the noblemen that 



8 THE PROPHECY. 

come to IVrcy Hall haven't any beauty to 
spare. There was one here this morning, the 
Earl of Sussex, a live scarecrow. By the way, 
l)ob, he looks very much like you. 

Robert. Like me? My mother always said 
I was the handsomest baby in Yorkshire. 

Thomas. Then some one must have stolen 
your i^ood looks from you when you were 
asleep in the cradle. 

Robert. If I had your fig-ure I'd never look 
into a mirror. 

Thomas. And if I had your face I'd break 
the mirror. 

Robert. Now, Tom, supposing you were a 
lord, what would would you do? 

Thomas. What would I do? What wouldn't 
I do? (Sings — each verse is repeated as a 
duet.) 

I'd like to be a lord, 

Own castle, lake, and land, 
Wear helmet, shield, and sword. 
Ah! wouldn't that be grand? 

I'd like to be a lord, 

And have no work to do: 
What pleasure 'twould afford! 

I'd like it, wouldn't you? 

Richard Percy. (Entering LA Why this 
noise? Ah, masquerading with the Earl's ap- 
parel ! I shall take good care to inform his 
lordship what dutiful servants he possesses. If 
I were master here, you two loafers would 
leave this house quicker than the twinkling of 
an eve. (Exit R.) 



THE PROPHECY. 9 

Thomas. (Addressing the departed Richard.) 
And if I were master here, you would leave 
this house quicker than 'twould take a bonfire 
to scorch a wren's feather. (Doffs coronet.) 

Robert. I wonder if Sir Edmund will be 
able to stave off our discharge this time. 

Thomas. 1 don't care a whit. If it were not 
for Sir Edmund, I'd have left long ago. (Takes 
off belt.) 

Robert. (Listening L.) Hurry, Tom. His 
lordship has arrived; I hear his voice. (Rob- 
ert hastens towards Exit R. followed by Thom- 
as, the latter still wearing the long cloak and 
carrying coronet and sword-belt. At Exit R. 
they bump into Richard.) 

Richard. Clumsy gawks! (Robert and 
Thomas oft' stage laugh loudly at Richard. 
The latter looking towards R.) If I were only 
the lord of the manor! (^Musing.) A little 
patience ! Edmund, the imbecile, will not 
block my path much longer. That fanatical 
conscience of his will allure him straight into 
the snare of high treason. Then ! (Conveys 
by pantomime the idea of beheading.) The old 
man will quickly follow his dear boy to the 
grave — and (Dances about.) fol de rol de rol 
de rol, I'll be the Earl of Northumberland. 
(Listens L.) Ah! (Composes himself. The 
Earl enters L- Richard hastens to greet him.) 
Good evening, uncle. I was just hurrying 
down to meet you. 

Earl. Thank you, Richard. I am glad you 
came. I have a commission of importance I 



10 THE PROPHECY. 

desire t(^ entrust to you. Be seated. (They 
seat themselves at a table, and opposite to 
each other.) Richard, I feel I can rely on you. 

Richard. Command anything- of me, except 
to become a monk. 

Earl. Oh, no fear of that. To come to the 
point, you remember our conversations con- 
cerning the Charter House? (Richard nods as- 
sent.) Well, my plans are working smoothly. 
The King has at last consented to make over 
to me the monastery and its revenue. Of 
course, he expects a nice present in return for 
his kindness. The next move is to send to the 
Carthusians a copy of the Supremacy Oath 
which the King commands them to take under 
penalty of confiscation of their monastery and 
death. T shall have my son bear the document 
to the Prior. 

Richard. T understand. P)Ut what if they 
agree to take the Oath? 

Earl. Xever ! I know Prior John and his 
monks ; they would sooner die than accept the 
King as Head of the Church. 

Richard, IMous fools ! 

Earl. There is only one hitch in the scheme. 
1 have had agents spying about the neighbor- 
hood, and they assure me that the common 
people, especially the poor, are so devoted to 
the Carthusians, that a popular uprising would 
follow their eviction from the monastery. 

Richard. Yes, the monks put bread into 
their hungry mouths. (After a slight pause.) 



THE PROPHECY. 11 

Uncle, a well-organized campaig-n of slander 
and bribery will check all outbreaks of the 
rabble. 

Earl. (Puzzled.) Campaign of slander and 
bribery ? 

Richard. Yes, spread broadcast all manner 
of scandals about the Carthusians. 

Earl. I am not aware of any scandals con- 
nected with the Charter House. 

Richard. (Laughing.) Invent some. Din 
them in the ears of the mob, over and over 
again, in season and out of season ; before 
long these lies will come to be regarded as the 
truth, at least by the most dull-witted. At the 
same time scatter lots of gold, some of it to 
loose the mouths of scandal-mongers and 
some of it to close the mouths of those who 
would resent any outrage on their holy monks. 

Earl. (After nodding approvingly.) Rich- 
ard, I must confess I have never given you suf- 
ficient credit for cleverness. 

Richard. If you allow me the use of your 
money, I will carry out this scheme. 

Earl. Go ahead, I trust you. I am anxious 
to strike the iron while it is hot. To-morrow 
afternoon you follow Edmund to the Charter 
House. 

Richard. To-morrow afternoon ! That's too 
soon. Allow a few days start to my campaign. 

Earl. A^ery true. Well, Friday then. By 
hook or crook you must manage to see and 
hear all that takes place after they open the 



]2 THE PROPHECY. 

Kini;'s document. I shall station myself with 
some troops at the barracks nearby ; in case 
the monks refuse to take the Oath, notify me 
at once, and I shall hasten to the monastery 
and hustle them off to prison. 

Richard. A good idea. I must think out 
some way of acting the spy on them. 

Earl. (Both rise.) Richard, I cannot ex- 
press how grateful 1 am to you. Rest assured 
you will be richly rewarded for your services. 
\\'ould you kindly summon Edmund to my 
presence? 

Richard. I shall do so at once. 

Earl. (Musing.) I had no right to drag my 
son into this affair. He idolizes the Carthu- 
sians. 

Richard. It will do no harm to make Ed- 
mund a partner in our guilt. 

Earl. Our guilt ! 

Richard. A spade is a spade, uncle. 

Earl. W'el, it is for his interest I am plan- 
ning as well as for mine. 

Richard. (Aside.) For mine too. (To Earl.) 
Good night, uncle. Happy dreams! 

Earl. (;oo(l night, Richard. (Exit Rich- 
ard R.) Yes, I was too anxious to display the 
Northumberland loyalty, when I assured the 
King that I would have my own son bear the 
royal document to the Charter ITouse. I do 
wish Edmund had more of Richard's shrewd- 
ness and knowledge of the world. The boy is 
too serious-minded. I must take him awav 



THE PROPllFXY. 13 

from his books, and launch him into the pleas- 
ures of the court, and in that sea of sensual 
dissipation his fanaticism and superstition 
wil be quickly drowned. (Knock at the door.) 
Come in! (Edmund enters R. Earl affec- 
tionately.) My dear boy! 

Edmund. (After embracing Earl.) Wel- 
conie home, fatlier. 

Earl. Thank you, Edmund. 

Edmund. Had I known of your arrival, no 
messen,i>er w^ere needed to call me. I do hope, 
father, that 3'ou will remain at home for some 
time : I see so little of you lately. How differ- 
ent from the old days when we used to ramble 
through the woods or ride together over the 
country roads. A feeling haunts me that those 
happy days will never return. 

Earl. Do you not realize, my son, that my 
position often requires my presence at court? 
Besides, I am a growing favorite with the 
King. 

Edmoind. They say at Oxford, it is a dan- 
gerous thing to be a favorite of Henry. 

Earl. (Laughing.) I know what they 
mean. Do not fear, I have sense enough to 
trim my sails to the royal whims. Between 
ourselves, Edmund, I am not in love with the 
King, but I am making hay while the sun 
shines. Only last evening His Majesty grant- 
ed me — I cannot tell you the particulars now; 
I shall explain later. 

Edmund. You must be fatigued after your 
journey from London ; perhaps you wish to 



14 THE PROPHECY. 

retire. W^e shall see each other to-morrow. 

Earl. Yes, I am tired. But since we are 
alone, I must tell you of a message I wish you 
to bear. Be seated. (Both seat themselves.) 
I have here (Taking paper from pocket.) a 
sealed document from the King to the Prior 
of the London Charter House. 

Edmund. To my old friend, Prior John? 

Earl. Yes, a very important document ; I 
would not entrust it to anyone but you. Will 
you deliver it into the hands of the Prior to- 
morrow — no, Friday afternoon? 

Edmund. (Taking paper and putting it into 
coat pocket.) I am only too willing to comply. 
You know my greatest happiness when we re- 
sided in the city, was to visit the Charter 
House. How keenly I have felt your forbid- 
ding me to see the good monks ! 

Earl. You are aware, Edmund, how I al- 
wa}'s have your interest at heart. The Car- 
thusians were spoiling you. I am sure that 
they bewitched your mind with the silly no- 
tion that it would be wrong to take the Su- 
premacy Oath. 

Edmund. Xo, father, my own intelligence 
and my own conscience forbid me to swear 
to a sacrilegious oath. If the greatest of Eng- 
lish prelates, Bishop Fisher, and the greatest 
English layman. Sir Thomas ]\Iore, have re- 
fused — 

Earl. But, my son, the King will have his 
way. Refusal to take the Oath means confisca- 
tion of pro])erty and death. Surely we are not 



THE PROPHECY. 15 

expected to sacrifice everything, even our life, 
for the sake of — • 

Edmund. Yes, even life itself for our faith, 
for our soul. (Rising.) I will never take that 
Oath. 

Earl. ( Rising.) What! 

Edmund. I will never swear the Supremacy 
Oath. (Richard takes a hasty look from win- 
dow in rear of stage.) 

Earl. lUit my son, I say you must, you must. 

Edmund. Father, why do you tempt me to 
sacrifice my soul? 

Earl. Hecause I love you. If King Henry 
knew that you refused the Supremacy Oath, 
all my influence woud avail nothing to save 
you from death. 

Edmund. (Throwing his arms about EarPs 
neck. ) Father, let us both die together for our 
faith. 

Earl. (Separating himself from Edmund.) 
Edmund, leave me, leave me alone. (Exit R. 
Edmund.) What a noble son, what a miser- 
able father! (Earl continues in deep thought.) 
An angel and a demon are contending for my 
soul, and I — I despise myself — I am helping 
the demon to conquer. Northumberland, yoii 
are a coward. Retrace my steps, undo the 
wrong? Too late. I have' set the engine of 
destruction in motion ; I could not check it if 
I would. (Pauses, then with determination.) 
Let it run its bloody course to the end. Let it 
crush the Carthusians ; let it crush all who 
stand in its path. (Pauses.) "T will never 



16 THE PROPHECY. 

take that Oath." P.ut the King, the King! My 
son die? No, no, no! (Hastens to Exit R and 
calls.) Edmund, Edmund ! 

Edmund. (At some distance.) Father! 

Earl. (Calling.) Come here^ my boy. 
(Musing.) What would life be to me without 
Edmund? (Edmund enters R. Earl places 
his hands affectionately on Edmund's shoul- 
ders. Pleading.) You will swear the Oath? 

Edmund. I cannot, even if I have to die. 

Earl. Put you must not die, you must live. 
(Richard a])pears at window^ and remains until 
curtain falls.) Edmund, my child, (Falls on 
one knee and grasps Edmund's left hand.) take 
the Oath for my sake, for your father's sake. 

Edmund. Father, father. (Hesitates a little 
as though his resolution were weakening, then 
raises right hand to heaven.) No, before my 
God T declare — never! 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

Scene 1. 
Time — Several days later. — Afternoon. 

SCENE— Chapter Hall of the Charter House. 

Contains a desk and lienches, as also a statue of the 
Blessed Virs^in; the statue is adorned with candles 
and flowers, and before it is placed a prie-dieu. 

Layton. (Looking out of window in rear of 
stage.) There they are still, whispering to- 
gether ; the Prior holds a document in his hand. 



THE PROPHECY. 17 

What may that document be, I wonder? (Sees 
a person coming.) What does this old man 
want? (Addressing the person.) This is not 
the reception room. Go down to the gate and 
ring the bell. 

Richard. (Outside, disguised.) Please help 
a poor old man ! 

Layton. A beggar ! I am too busy to-day to 
bother with the like of you. Come some other 
time. 

Richard. A good disguise, I see. Layton 
Legh, your eyesight is failing. Don't you 
know Richard Percy? 

Layton. Richard Percy ! Yes, it is you. By 
the way, are you aware it was I who carried 
you home last Saturday night? You were as 
drunk as a lord. 

Richard. Let me in, Layton. I have some- 
thing very important to communicate to you. 

Layton. Slip in quietly without the Prior no- 
ticing you — this is the chapter hall. 

Layton. (Opens the door and admits Rich- 
ard.) What has possessed you to masquerade 
in this character? "Please help a poor old man." 
ha, ha, ha ! 

Richard. (Removes disguise.) Xot so loud, 
or [ shall be detected. 

Layton. Detected! Can I be dreaming? A 
few moments ago your cousin. Sir Edmund, 
called to see the Prior on important business, 
he said. You must have observed them in the 
garden. And now to make the matter more 



18 THE PROniECV. 

puzzliiii;-, you come here disguised as an aged 
pau])er. Tell me, what does all this mean? 

Richard. Layton, you can be a rich man in 
a short time. 

Lay ton. A rich man ! Lay ton Legh a rich 
man! (Dances in glee.) I must be dreaming. 
(Catches Richard.) Is this you, Richard 
Percy? 

Richard. Don't act like a lunatic. 

Layton. Tell me, how can I become a rich 
man"-' 

Richard. Will }'ou do what 1 ask? 

Layton. An}'thing, anything, I would even 
kill you for money, ha, ha. 

Richard. (Listening.) I hear footsteps out- 
side. ( Layton goes to window and looks out.) 

Layton. They are coming this way. Sir 
Edmund looks as depressed as a man whose 
head is framed in the hangman's noose. 

Richard. Will they pass through this hall? 

Layton. ( Lowering his voice.) Xo, but 
s])eak in a whisper; the two are almost directly 
beneath this window. 

Edmund. (Outside.) Father, it l^reaks my 
heart to think that I have brought their death- 
warrant to those I love so dearly. 

Prior. Edmund, I forl)id you to speak thus. 
God kn(^ws tliat }'ou are as innocent in this af- 
fair as 1 am. 

Edmund. 1 will move heaven and earth to 
save von. I will hasten at once to mv father — 



THE PROPHECY. 19 

Prior. Xo. my child, only One can save us. 
1 know the Earl of Northumberland. 1 know 
the Kini;-. Xo, none but God can prevent the 
sacrifice. Ilis holy will be done! 

(Richard and Layton watch for a few moments 
the retreating tigiires of the Prior and Edmund.) 

Richard. Cousin Edmund, you will soon 
need to move heaven and earth to save your 
own — (Breaks off sentence, as he observes 
Layton staring;" at him.) 

Layton. (To Richard.) A\diat does all this 
mean ? 

Richard. You wouldn't mind spreading 
some lies about the Carthusians? 

Layton. All the lies you v^dsh. But say, who 
will pay me the money? 

Richard. The Earl and myself. I pledge my 
word. 

Layton. Humph! Your word, your word? 

Richard. Do you doubt me? 

Layton. Remember, if you or the Earl 
break your promise, you will pa}' for it with — 
you will hear from Layton Legh. 

Richard. W'e must without delay inflame 
the common people against the monks. I have 
already bought over a few. Now I want you 
— (The community bell sounds six strokes.) 
What means that ringing? 

Layton. That is the usual call for a chapter 
or general assembly of the monks. 

Richard. Then T presume they will be here 
presently. I shall have to wait till evening to 



20 THE PROPHECY. 

unfold lo you my plans and explain what part 
you are to play. (Takes money from purse and 
gives it to Lay ton.) Here, take this as a be- 
ginning;" of your fortune. 

Layton. (Counting money carefully.) Coin 
of the realm ! ]\Iy stars ! All mine, and more to 
come. 

Richard. Very likely the Prior is summon- 
ing his subjects to consider the Supremacy 
Oath. Layton, I came here expressly to find 
out how they receive the King's document. Is 
there no place in this chapter hall where I can 
secrete myself? 

Layton. Not without their observing you. 
^\'hy not remain outside the hall, and keep 
the door open a little, and listen? 

Richard. Yes, I presume that would be the 
safest plan. 

Layton. This way, I hear them coming. 
(Exeunt L Layton and Richard.) 

(After a few moments the monks enter R quietly 
and take their usual places. Father Humphrey, the 
senior of the community, being assisted by two 
younger members. Behind the rest follows the Prior 
who proceeds to his desk. The Prior first and then 
the others seat themselves.) 

Prior. My brethren, the long threatening 
storm is about to break over our beloved home ; 
the day of trial has come which is to prove 
whether we are ready to follow our Divine 
Master, not only amid the quiet solitude of Mt. 
Olivet, but also on the way of suffering to Mt. 
Calvary. The King has sent us the Oath of 



THE PROPHECY. 21 

Supremacy by which he is proclaimed Head of 
the Church in England. To obey His Majes- 
ty, to acknowledge Henry as Head of God's 
Churcli, W'Ould be a denial of the belief of the 
ages, would be disobedience to the Holy Ghost, 
would be treason against Jesus Christ. Will 
we desert the King of heaven and earth for the 
King of England? But, my dear brethren, you 
must know the whole truth. To refuse this 
Oath, to refuse to acknowledge Henry as Head 
of the Church, will entail confiscation of our 
monastery and death. You have your choice, 
loss of property on earth or loss of your pos- 
sessions in heaven, loss of this mortal life or 
loss of the immortal life to come. Which do 
you choose? As for myself, whilst I love the 
Charter House with its hallowed memories, I 
love Heaven more ; whilst I love my country, 
I love the Church of Christ more ; w^hilst I love 
my King, I love my God more. (Standing and 
raising his arm.) I refuse the Oath. Those 
w^ords, I know, mean death. But is God's 
arm shortened that He will not give me 
strength to die for Him, as He strengthened 
the holy martyrs, as He strengthened an Al- 
ban, a Thomas-a-Becket? What say you, my 
brothers? Who will accompany his Prior to 
the altar of sacrifice? 

Humphrey. (Falling on knees.) ]\Iy Father 
in Christ, like the Angels at Bethlehem, you 
have announced to us this day tidings of great 
joy. I am an old man ; I have been daily ex- 
pecting- the summons of death. But, oh, is 



22 THE PROPHECY. 

God not o-ood to allow me to die as a martyr 
for the faith ? 

Prior. Plumphrey, we have been united for 
many years in life, we shall not be separated 
in death — and oh, such a death ! 

(Prior assists Father Humphrey to his chair and 
returns to desk.) 

Prior. (Standing. To the others.) And 
vou, mv sons? 

The Rest. (Falling on knees. All together 
exclaim, with uplifted arm.) I wdll rather die 
than swear this sacrilegious Oath. 

Prior. (To youngest monk.) You too, Se- 
bastian, youngest of my flock? 

Sebastian. Oh, Father, do you doubt me? 

Prior. No, my son. Thanks be to God ! 
Rise, brethren. (All rise.) God hath foretold 
to me this hour of supreme trial. Many a night 
I prayed to the Blessed Trinity to gird us all 
with fortitude for the sacrifice, for the cruci- 
fixion. But I never doubted, I knew that none 
of my loved ones would flinch before the cross 
of Christ. Still, my sons, we must not trust 
in our human weakness — a cruel death awaits 
us. At any moment the royal officers may in- 
vade these sacred precincts and drag us ofif to 
prison — the sacrificers are impatient for the 
victims. Let us spend the short time remain- 
ing to us in fervent prayer that God may pre- 
pare us for the great trial by clothing us with 
the courage of the martyrs. 

(Prior kneels before statue of our Lady; Father 
Sebastian lights the candles; all kneel and engage 



THE PROPHECY. 23 

in silent prayer for a few minutes. Suddenly a 
flourish of trumpets and shouting- of mob are heard 
in the distance.) 

Prior. Oh Mother Mary, sweet patron of 
our holy house, in thee is our hope ; leave us 
not alone in this our last struggle with fiesh 
and blood, take each one of us by the hand and 
lead us safely through tribulation and suffer- 
ing to everlasting joy with thee in heaven. 

All answer "Amen." 
(The blast of trumpets and shouting approach 
nearer.) 

Prior. (Arising and extending hands over 
the monks.) Oh Heavenly Father, who didst 
fortify the holv martyrs in their last combat, 
impart to us, Thy weak children, Thine own di- 
vine strength, that we may w^alk courageously 
unto death in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

All answer ''Amen." 

(The mob is heard entering the monastery.) 

Prior. My sons, the great hour is come. 
Blessed are they that suft'er persecution for 
justice sake : for theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven. Remember, the kingdom of heaven. 

Earl. (Entering L with ^^Richard.) Enter, 
men ! Here are the traitors. 

(Many men-at-arms enter, followed by a shout- 
ing rabrble, among them Layton. The sight of the 
monks at prayer causes the soldiers and others to 
fall back in awe.) 

Earl. (To the men-at-arms.) Soldiers, 
what do you fear? (To the mob.) Shout, you 
cowards ! 

Layton. (Turning to mob.) Down with the 
monks ! 



24 THE PROPHECY. 

Mob. Down with the monks ! 

Earl. (To the Carthusians.) Arise, and 
Hsten to His Majesty's will. 

Prior. Arise, brethren. (Monks arise.) 

Earl. (Reads.) "It has been enacted by 
Parliament that all subjects of the realm take 
an oath under penalty of misprision of treason, 
to acknowledge and recognize His Majesty, 
Henry VHI, as the chief and supreme Head of 
the Church of England, and likewise to re- 
nounce all obedience to the Bishop of Rome, 
as having no more power than any other bish- 
op." (Addressing the monks.) The King has 
graciously sent you a copy of this Oath under 
his own signature, and has commissioned me 
to receive the adjuration from you. Will you 
swear as ordered by Parliament? 

Prior. Henry is our King. If duty ordered, 
all my brethren here and I would shed our life 
blood in his defence ; but, my lord, there is One 
higher than Henry, whom all men must obey 
above all kings, Almighty God- — ■ 

Richard. No preaching! Will vou take the 
Oath? 

Prior. How can we take this Oath when the 
Catholic Church has always held and taught 
otherwise ? 

Earl. I care not for the Church, will you 
consent or not? 

Prior. (With arm raised.) In the name 
of God, I refuse the Oath. 



THE PROPHECY. 25 

Earl. And what say the rest of you? Will 
you — - 

All. (Together, with uplifted arm.) Hi the 
name of God, we refuse the Oath. 

Earl. Do you fully realize what this refusal 
means? Confiscation of all your goods and 
death. Once more, will you take the Oath? 

All. (Hicluding Prior, with uplifted arm.) 
In the name of God we refuse the Oath. 

Richard. Traitors ! 

Layton. Traitors ! 

Mob. Traitors ! Traitors ! 

Earl. Rebels, one and all ! My duty is clear. 
The King's orders must be fulfilled. Soldiers, 
seize this obstinate monk and his fellow-trai- 
tors, and lead them to prison. (Soldiers ad- 
vance.) 

Prior. (To soldiers, who halt.) Hold ! (Ad- 
dressing Earl.) Traitors ! You know that is 
a base falsehood. You know we are as loyal 
subjects of the King as yourself or any other 
Englishman in the realm. 

Earl. How dare you thus address the Earl 
of Northumberland ? 

Prior. (To Earl.) This is a day of triumph 
for iniquity, for your iniquity. The lands of 
the Church will soon be sequestered, the sanc- 
tuary of the Lord wil soon be desecrated, the 
lives of innocent religious will soon be sacri- 
ficed — ^^and for what? To satisfy your greedy 
ambition. But, "Revenge is mine," saith the 
Lord. Henry of Northumberland, remember — 



26 THE PROPHECY. 

you will never know a moment of joy in this 
monastery which you are stealing from God; 
aye, the day will come when in this very chap- 
ter hall, before this statue of our Lady, the dag- 
ger of an assassin will pierce your breast, and 
within twenty-four hours after will follow the 
violent death of your son and your nephew. 

Richard. (Scornfully.) Ha, ha, ha ! 

Layton. (Turning- to mob.) Ha, ha, ha ! 

Mob. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Earl. (To Prior.) The executioner, will 
soon put a stop to 3^our evil tongue. (To sol- 
diers.) Men-at-arms, must I tell you your 
duty? Seize this would-be prophet and his fel- 
low-traitors, and confine them in the dungeons 
of the Tower. (Whilst the soldiers surround 
the monks and lead them ofif L, the Prior in- 
tones the words: "W^e praise Thee, King of 
martyrs," and the rest of the Carthusians con- 
tinue the choral. Before the Prior, who leads, 
has left the hall, the stanza should be finished, 
so that the curtain may fall with all the monks, 
soldiers, and rabble still on the stage.) 

CHORAL. 
We praise Thee. King- of martyrs, Thy mercy we 

proclaim, 
Who by Thy blood redeemed us. Blessed be Thy 

glorious name! 
The battle rages round us, we give our life for Thee; 
Bestow the palm of victory, out life, dear Lord, 
Thou'lt be. 

Richard. To death with the traitors ! 
Mob. To death with the traitors ! 
CURTAIN. 



THE PROPHECY. 27 

Scene II. 

Time — A week later. 
SCENE— A cell in the Tower. 

Prior John. (Seated on a bench, in deep 
thought.) Wonderful are the ways of God ! 
I remember how I loved when a child to read 
the story of the holy martyrs, and how my 
young" heart used to glow with enthusiasm to 
imitate their glorious combat for the Lord. 
And now in my old age to think that God has 
chosen me to be as another Stephen— to-day I 
shall receive the martyr's crown. Is this but 
a happy dream? (Clutching chains.) No! 'tis 
not a dream, 'tis true, God be praised! How 
could I bear to live longer and behold the 
sanctuaries of religion profaned, and the chosen 
ones of God driven from their hallowed homes, 
persecuted unto death ! Oh truly, Satan reigns 
in England now. (Rising.) Spare, O Lord, 
spare Thy people, and be not angry with them 
forever. Strike me, O Lord as a victim for my 
countrymen. 

Edmund. . (Entering L hastily.) Oh, Fa- 
ther ! 

Prior. Edmund ! 

Edmund. (Throwing himself at feet of 
Prior.) A\^ill you forgive me, will God forgive 
me? 

Prior. (Gently raising Edmund.) Calm 
yourself, my son. 

Edmund. I cannot. Remorse for my guilt 



2,^ THE PROPHECY. 

gives me no peace. Ah, 1)ut you will forgive 
me? 

Prior. With all my heart. 

Edmund. Alas, for love of my father, I 
have betrayed my soul. I have sw^orn the ac- 
cursed Supremacy Oath. (Pauses.) Oh, how 
you must despise me ! 

Prior. Despise you, my son? Does God 
despise the repentant sinner? 

Edmund. And God will pardon me? 

Prior. Edmund, have you not read in the 
holy Gospel of Peter the Apostle? 

Edmund. Thank God, I need not despair. 
Father, how can I make reparation to wash 
away my guilt? 

Prior. Your good angel must have guided 
you to me before my death, for I have long 
wished for an opportunity to tell you God's 
will in regard to your future. Listen, my son. 
The Lord would have you fly at once from 
the impious world. Oh, that you had flown 
before the wings of the bird were wounded ! 
Leave your home and your father, and hasten 
to Rome where dwells the true Vicar of Christ. 
Beg the Holy Father to guide your future 
course. Are you ready for the sacrifice? 

Edmund. God wills that sacrifice from me? 

Prior. God wills it. 

Edmund. Then I am ready. 

Prior. ( Embracing Edmund.) Aly son, and 
my pride ! 



THE PROPHECY. 29 

Edmund. And will God give me strength 
that the flesh may not be weak? 

Prior. Edmund, hearken to me. One day 
you will return to your native land as a priest 
of God, zealous to labor amid danger and trib- 
ulation for the salvation of your fellow-coun- 
trymen, — and you will die for Christ, as I die 
today. 

Edmund. God's will be done ! Will you 
pray in heaven for me? 

Prior. Would that I were worthy of heaven ! 
Yes, my son, I will pray for you till we are 
united above. 

Edmund. Oh, I know I should not ask you, 
but will you pray for my unhappy father? 

Prior. Edmund, I have begged the Al- 
mighty to accept my death as an expiation for 
the guilt of the Earl of Northumberland. God 
has been pleased to hear my prayer. He has 
revealed to me that in return for your sacrifice 
and my sacrifice, you will, before you die, be 
the means of saving the soul of your father. 
You must now leave me, the soldiers will soon 
be here to conduct me to death, nay, rather to 
my birth in eternity. 

Edmund. (Kneeling.) Many a time since 
my infancy you have laid your consecrated 
hands on me ; Father, bless me once more for 
the last time. 

Prior. (Lays his hands on head of Edmund 
and blesses him in silence.) God be with you 
till we met asfain — in heaven. 



30 THE PROPHECY. 

(Noise of troopers. Entrance L of four of the 
same, led by Captain Cromwell.) 

Captain. What does this mean? (Roughly 
seizing Edmund.) Young man, this is no — 
zounds ! it is Earl Northumberland's son ! Sir 
Edmund, you kneeling at the f.eet of this trai- 
tor ! 

Edmund. Traitor! (Draws sword on terri- 
fied Captain.) 

Prior. Edmund! (Makes sign to Edmund 
to sheathe sword.) 

Edmund. (Embracing Prior.) Farewell, 
Father. 

Prior. Farewell, my son. (Exit L Edmund.) 

Captain. (To Prior, after assuring himself 
that Edmund has disappeared.) Yes, traitor! 
(To soldiers.) Alen-at-arms, seize the pris- 
oner! (Soldiers seize Prior.) Gaoler, loose 
the chains! (Gaoler looses chains.) Now to 
the gallows ! The hurdle is waiting. 

(Captain leads procession L, followed by sol- 
diers, the Prior, between two guards, last.) 

Prior. (As they march out.) In Thee, O 
Lord, have I hoped, I shall not be confounded 
forever. Into Thy hands I commend my spirit. 
Thou hast redeemed me. Lord God of truth. 

Gaoler. (Alone.) It's wrong, it's wrong! 
They have no right to put him to death. That 
man is a saint. He wouldn't take the "Premcy" 
Oath? Hang the 'Tremcy" Oath! King Henry 
Head of the Church ? Pshaw, I wager he wants 
to grant himself another divorce. 

Layton. (Entering L.) Hallo, Robin Rufif, 
glad to be rid of the traitor? 



THE PROPHECY. 31 

Gaoler. Hold your tongue ! That man was 
no traitor, he was a saint. 

Layton. No more a saint than I am. 

Gaoler. You ! I know you, Layton Legh. 
The devil know^s you, too. 

Layton. You need not get angry. What was 
Earl Xorthumberland's son doing here? 

Gaoler. I don't know. (Taking out gold 
and counting.) He is a gentleman. That's 
more than I can say of you. AMiat business 
have you here, anyway? 

Layton. (Presenting a coin to gaoler.) Here, 
Robin, I can be a gentleman, too. 

Gaoler. (Takes coin and strikes it on the 
floor.) I thought it might be counterfeit. 

Layton. Now tell me, what did Sir Edmund 
say to the Prior? 

Gaoler. How do I know? Layton, are you 
the same old rascal as ever? 

Layton. (Aside.) The fool ! I must loosen 
his tongue with this. (Pulling out bottle.) 
Robin, have you lost your old taste for good 
liquor? 

Gaoler. f Reaching for bottle.) Tr}^ me. 
(Takes a big draught — Layton snatches bot- 
tle.) That's not bad. Where did you steal it? 
Let me have another swig. 

Layton. Not a drop, till you say what hap- 
pened here when the Prior and Sir Edmund 
were together. 

Gaoler. (Aside, as he walks to front of 
stage.) It can do no harm to tell — the holy 



2,2 THE PROPHECY. 

man may be dead by this time. (Turning to 
Lay ton.) Well, if you must know, Sir Edmund 
threw himself at the feet of the saint and asked 
his forgiveness. 

Layton. Forgiveness for what? 

Gaoler. For swearing that blamed "Premcy" 
Oath. (Pauses and feels his throat.) 

Layton. Go on, go on. 

Gaoler. I can't speak. My throat is too dry. 
(Layton hands bottle to gaoler, who gulps 
down a large quantity. Layton snaps bottle 
from his lips.) Ah, let me finish the stuff. 

Layton. What did the Prior say? 

Gaoler. Something about fleeing from Eng- 
land. 

Layton. Yes, yes. And what did Sir Ed- 
mund answer? 

Gaoler. He promised he would leave at 
once ; and I don't blame him, when they are 
hanging saints in this country. 

Layton. AVhat else did they talk .about? 

Gaoler. Look here, Layton, I am no spy. 
Give me the bottle. 

Layton. (Aside.) I know enough. (Gives 
bottle to gaoler, who slowly empties it.) 
(Aside.) This information is worth gold to 
rne. Richard will be in raptures when I tell 
him. 

Gaoler. (Whose voice and carriage to the 
end of the scene betray slightly the effect of 
the liquor.) Layton Legh, (Shaking bottle at 



THE PROPHECY. 33 

Layton) it's the like of you they ought to be 
hanging. 

Layton. Good-bye, Robin. I hope the next 
time we meet you will have a more civil 
tongue in your head. (Exit L Layton.) 

Gaoler. (Flourishing bottle.) Ha, ha, ha! 
I will eat my head if he isn't the biggest black- 
guard in England. I wouldn't trust him in his 
sleep. (Musing.) I wonder why he was so 
anxious to find out what happened between the 
Saint and Sir Edmund. (Pauses, then shows 
uneasiness.) He can't mean any harm to Earl 
Northumberland's son? Pshaw, I never thought 
of that! (In vexation throws bottle to floor.) 
That plaguy stuff is to blame! (Pauses.) No, 
no — who could bear a grudge against the finest 
young gentleman in the country? How kind 
he was to me when I worked for his father! 
I remember when my good wife died, he felt 
as keenly for the children as I myself. He tried 
his best to keep me at Percy Manor, and I'd 
be there still, if it wasn't for that bear of a 
cousin of his, Richard Percy. (Musing.) What 
can Layton be after? I'm sorry I opened my 
mouth at all. (Goes to Exit L and shakes fist.) 
Layton Legh, if you touch a hair of Sir Ed- 
mund's head, I will break every bone in your 
body. 

CURTAIN. 



34 THE PROPHECY. 

ACT III. 
Scene I. 

Time — Evening of same day. 
SCENE — An apartment in Percy Hall, illumi- 
nated by candles. 

Servant Thomas. (Enters R and dashes a cap 
on the floor.) Take that, Richard Percy. 
(Kicks cap.) Take that from me. 

Servant Robert. (Enterino- E.) What are 
you doing, Tom ? Losing" your senses ? 

Thomas. No, Bob, I am just giving vent to 
my feeings. (Kicking cap again.) One more, 
for good measure. H there's anyone in this 
world I'd like to thrash it's Richard Percy ; and 
since I am unable to drub the villain himself, 
I am trouncing his cap by proxy. Richard 
Perc}^ is a bundle of meanness. Since he came 
into this house life has become unbearable. 

Robert. A better proxy to trounce than 
Richard Percy's cap would be his hanger-on, 
Layton Legh, who is now in the entrance hall 
waiting to see the Earl. I hate the sight of 
him. 

Thomas. So do I, Isn't he the scamp that 
robbed us at Cranmer's Tavern last Monday 
night, when we were both three sheets in the 
w^ind? 

Robert. Audley, the bartender, swears it 
was Legh. 

Thomas. I've a mind to go down and kick 
the rascal out of the house. Has his lordship 
arrived home? 



THE PROPHECY. 35 

Robert. Not yet. Suppose we invite hegh 
upstairs to meet the Earl, and pommel the life 
out of him? 

Thomas. And then invite him downstairs 
this way. (Shows by gesture the act of eject- 
ing.) A capital idea. 

Robert, ^^>'ll darken the room, and — 

Thomas. You better play his lordship, while 
I, (Rubbing his hands in gleeful anticipation.) 
I will attend to my part, oh yes, oh yes. (Rob- 
ert sets chair opposite exit L, while Thomas 
leaves R and returns with the Earl's cloak 
which he puts on Robert, saying:) This will 
help to trap the beast. I shall bring him here 
at once. (Exit L Thomas. Robert extinguish- 
es candles, and seats himself in chair ; pale 
moon shines through window. Knock at door.) 

Robert. Come in ! 

(Layton enters L timidly; Thomas, holding a 
stick, follows a moment later, unobserved by Lay- 
ton. Robert yawns loudly; Eayton draws back 
startled.) 

Layton. My lord, my lord, where are you? 
Robert. (Imitates the Earl's voice through- 
out the dialogue.) Fellow, what is your name? 
Layton. Layton Legh. 

Robert. Layton Legh, Layton Legh ! I 
know a scoundrel who bears that name. (Thom- 
as points at Layton with stick.) 

Layton. Your lordship must know me : I 
am the man to whom you pledged a reward 
for assisting to check an uprising in favor of 
the Carthusians. 



36 THE PROPHECY 

Robert. Indeed ! And how much of a re- 
ward do you wish? 

Layton. I would be satisfied with one hun- 
dred pounds. 

Robert. Ahem, ahem. (Aside.) He will 
have to be satisfied with one pounding. (Pan- 
tomime by Thomas of beating.) 

Layton. (Looking about suspiciously.) My 
lord, had you not better strike a light? (Thom- 
as makes a sign to Robert to begin the attack.) 

Robert. No, I am going to strike some- 
thing else. (Rising.) Thomas, are you ready? 

Thomas. Ready, my lord. (Layton turns 
in surprise to Thomas. Robert and then Thom- 
as seize Layton ; after a desperate struggle 
they throw him to the ground ; he calls for 
help.) 

Thomas. Hold his hands, Bob. (After Rob- 
ert has secured Layton's hands, Thomas forces 
a handkerchief into his mouth.) Now Bob, 
for our money's worth. (Thomas belabors 
Layton with the stick : Robert retains his hold 
on Layton's hands, and at the same time ad- 
ministers some cufifs and kicks.) 

Thomas. (Resting point of stick on Lay- 
ton's body.) Bob, open that door. (Robert 
opens door L. They both take hold of Lay- 
ton and carry him to the threshold.) 

Robert. One, two, three! (They throw 
Layton down the stairs.) 

Thomas. Good-bye, Layton ! 

Robert. Safe journey ! 



THE PROPHECY. 37 

Thomas, Ah, I feel better now. 

Robert. Our money is avenged. 

WilUam. . (Entering R.) What noisy racket 
is this? Who extinguished the Hghts in this 
room? 

Robert. (Re-lighting the candles.) No 
harm done, William. 

Thomas. Leyton Legh has just been borne 
from the field of battle. 

William. Layton Legh ! Field of battle ! 
AMiat do you mean? (Robert and Thomas 
show by pantomime how they had beaten 
Layton, and, after pointing towards stair-case, 
how they had ejected him.) 

William. (Smiling.) Well, well. I can't 
say that I am very sorry. The blackguard has 
been telling such mean lies about the Carthu- 
sians, who were his best benefactors. How- 
ever, you may be sowing seeds of trouble for 
yourselves: Layton Legh is just now a close 
satellite of Richard Percy. 

Robert. Let the worst come to the worst — 
we have treated one rogue to his deserts. 

William. (Looking out of window.) You 
better be off now. His lordship is at the gate, 
and will be here presently. (Sets room in 
order.) 

Thomas. I have only one regret, William : 
that we cannot give the same battle-field treat- 
ment to Richard Percy. 

Robert. His day will come yet. (Exeunt R 
Robert and Thomas.) 



38 THE PROPHECY. 

William. (In soliloquy.) That accursed 
Supremacy Oath ! What I feared has come to 
pass. Sir Edmund's love for his father has 
broug'ht about his fall. But ere long God will 
open his eyes to see his sin. (Listening.) I 
hear the Earl's step. What a shame for a fa- 
ther to be leading his son astray ! (Picks up 
Richard's cap and makes his exit at R.) 

Earl. (Enters L and walks to and fro.) At 
last Fortune's smile shines full upon me. The 
world is mine ! No longer will lack of means 
hamper my projects for the glory of my house. 
Still in favor with the King. I'm no Sir Thom- 
as More— poor fellow! Give Henry his own 
way in everything, and flatter him, flatter even 
his meanness, and you will be his favorite for- 
ever. I must not forget to tell His Majesty 
of m}^ son's loyalty in bearing the royal docu- 
ment to the Carthusians and taking the Oath 
himself. Edmund must now come out of his 
shell and display his talents before the world. 
I prophesy, that quiet boy will achieve a great 
name for himself at court and in Parliament. 
My intimacy with the King will advance him. 
I would like to see Edmund Prime Minister, 
and he will be, he will be before many years. 
How proud I shall be ! What a comfort for 
me in my declining years ! (Knock at the 
door.) Enter! (Layton enters L.) Sirrah! 
What right have you to invade my private 
chamber? The place for you to meet me is 
the entrance hall. 



THE PROPHECY. 39 

Layton. Aly lord, I have a very important 
secret to tell you, and as there were others 
waiting in the hall, I was afraid I might be 
overheard. 

Earl. You should have sent a message, and 
waited till I summoned you. What is your 
important secret? I have no time to waste. 

Layton. I wish to lodge a complaint against 

two of your servants who have- 
Earl. A complaint against my servants ! I 

do declare! Is that your important secret? 

Layton. No, my lord, but they outraged me 
so — • 

Earl. State the business that brought you 
here. Aly patience is well nigh exhausted. 

Layton. Noble sir, I have something, in- 
deed, of vital importance to tell, but (stam- 
mering) to state the truth, I would like a pres- 
ent of money for my information. I am a 
poor man — • 

Earl. What ! you want money ! Leave my 
presence this instant. What do I care for your 
information? 

Layton. (Moving slowly towards the door 
L.) Yqvv well. But if Sir Edmund loses his 
life-- 

Earl. My son lose his life ! What do you 
mean ? 

Layton. Give me a sum of gold. 
Earl. I have a mind to send for the officers 
and have you put into jail. 



40 THE PROPHECY. 

Layton. Then my secret will remain hidden, 
and Sir Edmund — • 

Earl. The impudence of the fellow! How 
much do you desire? 

Layton. Two hundred pounds. 

Earl. Are you crazy? Two hundred 
pounds ! Never ! 

Layton. My information is worth more 
than that to you. (Pretends to be leaving.) 

Earl. (Aside.) It is easy to promise. (To 
Layton.) Hold! I promise you the two hun- 
dred pounds. 

Layton. I must have that in writing ; I wish 
to make sure. 

Earl. If this isn't exasperating! (Goes to 
table, takes from drawer paper, ink, and quill, 
and writes.) What's your name? 

Layton. Layton Legh. 

Earl. Layton Legh ! I have heard of you 
before. (Continues writing, then hands paper 
to Layton.) There, does that satisfy you? 

Layton. (Reads.) "I promise to pay Lay- 
ton Legh two hundred pounds for certain in- 
formation communicated by him to me. Signed, 
Northumberland." Yes, it is quite correct, my 
lord. That sum is in addition to what you 
owe me for my services against the Carthu- 
sians. 

Earl. Now for your information. 

Layton. Your son, Sir Edmund, promised 
Prior John that he would retract his oath and 
signature to the Supremacy Act. 



THE PROPHECY. 41 

Earl. (Shows surprise at first, then laughs 
heartily.) Ha, ha, ha ! Continue. 

Layton. Moreover, he has resolved to flee 
from England at once. 

Earl. Ha, ha, ha ! Lie number two. Go on. 

Layton. It is no lie, my lord. It is the 
truth. 

Earl. Go on, I say. 

Layton. One very near to you is plotting 
the death of your son, and will soon have him 
arrested by the Sheriff on the charge of high 
treason. 

Earl. Lie number three. Keep on. 

Layton. That's all, my lord. I assure you 
if you fail to take immediate action, you will 
see my words come true. 

Earl. Is this your important secret? 

Layton. Yes, your lordship, and now I ask 
you to keep your part of the contract and give 
me my money. 

Earl. Oh, you would have the money? 
(Pauses.) Come here to-morrow morning, and 
you w^ill get what you deserve. 

Layton. I would like to have it now. 

Earl. Enough insolence from you to-day. 
Come here to-morrow. Now leave. 

Layton. Could you not give me half? 

Earl. Do you see that door? Go! (Exit L 
Layton, muttering to himself.) The brazen- 
ness of the villain, trying to swindle me in my 
own house! (Pauses and betrays uneasiness 
for a moment.) No, no ! It cannot be true. 



42 THE PROPHECY. 

Ridiculous ! I must rehearse the comedy at 
the court ; they will hardly believe me. Ha, ha, 
ha ! I told him to come to-morrow and get what 
he deserves. He will get it. (Knock at the 
door.) Come in! (Edmund enters L.) 

Earl. Welcome, my son. I have not seen 
you ail day. 

Edmund. Thank you, father. Has Lay- 
ton Legh been with you? 

Earl. Yes. Why do you ask? 

Edmund. I just now passed him in the hall. 
He seemed beside himself with anger. I do not 
know what he meant, but I surely heard him 
say: "If the Earl doesn't give me the money 
he promised, P'll murder him." 

Earl. Ha, ha, ha! He will be safe in jail 
to-morrow. He came here with a cock and 
bull story about your retracting the Suprem- 
acy Oath and hastening away from England. 
(Edmund startled.) He was trying to work 
a fraud game on me, but I was not caught. 

Edmund. Father, he told you the truth. I 
have taken back my oath and I wish to de- 
part from home. 

Earl. Ha, ha, ha! A good joke! My own 
boy at the swindle game ! Do you want two 
hundred pounds also? (Richard observes the 
following scene from window in rear of stage.) 

Edmund. (Aside.) My God, help me! 
(Falls on knees before Earl.) Father, before 
my God, I declare to you that I was never 
more earnest in mv life. There is the sacri- 



THE PROPHECY. 43 

legions Act; (Handing paper to Earl.) I have 
erased my name from it; I have abjnred the 
Supremacy Oath. God calls me to the holy 
priesthood. For my soul's sake I must leave 
England. AVe can arrange together — 

Earl. (Throws the paper to the floor in a 
frenzy.) What do you say? (Draws sword 
and makes a pass at Edmund who eludes the 
thrust. — Edmund rises and escapes L from 
apartment, his father making several futile 
lunges at him. Earl rings bell excitedly — paces 
up and down in mingled rage and dismay — 
servants AVilliam and Robert enter R.) 

Earl. William, Robert, pursue my son. 
Hasten, bring him back to me. (Servants 
leave L.) Come back ! Let him go his way. 
He is no longer son of mine. (Servants re- 
turn.) Why stand you there? Bring me my 
son, I say! (Servants slink away L in fright.) 
My son ! Xo, he is not my son ! Yes, he is my 
son! (Pauses and grows more calm.) My 
God ! What have I done ! Would I strike down 
my dear boy, my Edmund! (Sees paper on 
floor.) That miserable Oath! (Picks up pa- 
per and scans it.) The King will have his life. 
Oh, oh, oh ! (Sinks into chair beside table.) 

Richard. (Entering R. Aside.) Aha ! Trea- 
son ! My star is now in the ascendant. (Takes 
hold of Earl's arm.) Uncle, can I help you? 

Earl. Leave me alone, leave em alone with 
my grief. 

Richard. Has anything happened to my 
cousin? 



44 THE PROPHECY. 

Earl. Your cousin has been driven from his 
home by his own father. 

Richard. (Aside.) I must inform the Sher- 
iff and pursue him at once. (Exit h Richard.) 

Earl. (After a few moments of thought.) 
After all, Edmund is right. (Striking table 
with fist.) Curse the Oath! Curse the King! 
I'll shield my son. (Pauses, then rises sudden- 
ly.) I must see him. (Rings bell.) I must 
tell him my sorrow. He will forgive me — I 
know my boy — Edmund will forgive his 
wretched father. (Enter William L.) Wil- 
liam, call Richard to me. 

William. Richard has just left the house. 

Earl. So soon? I must have someone to 
help me find Edmund. Bring me my cloak 
and hat at once, and prepare yourself to come 
with me. 

William. It is late, and you need rest, my 
lord. 

Earl. W^illiam, there will be no rest for me 
till I see my son. Go quickly and get ready, 
von will find me in the entrance hall. (Exit L 
Earl.) 

William. I knew sorrow would befall my 
master. The curse of God visits those who 
touch the Lord's anointed. I was sure Sir 
Edmund would repent and retract. 'Twas but 
a moment's weakness, too much love for his 
father. Thank God, the noble youth is his 
own true self again. I feel there will be no 
more weakness, no more faltering. Whatever 
happens to him henceforth, his fate will be my 



THE PROPHECY. 45 

fate. If Sir Edmund has to suffer, I will suffer 
with him ; if Sir Edmund has to die, I will die 
with him. (Exit R William.) 

CURTAIN. 



Scene II. 



Time — Early the following morning. 

SCENE — A wharf on the seaboard. As curtain 
rises, four sailors are discovered sitting on boxes or 
barrels. 

First Old Sailor. Wall, as I was remarking 
we was just opposite the Canary Isles when up 
kem a hurrican' from the west, jiminy wheez- 
ers, what a hurrican' ! The wind she blew, 
and she blew, and she blew. Our schooner 
pitched and rolled like as though she was a 
landlubber boozed with liquor. W^e was all on 
deck haulin' in the sails, when quick as light- 
nin' a mighty gust of wind kem along and lifted 
every man Jack of us off'n our feet, and, jump- 
in' whillikins, up in the air we went. Cap'n 
Drake kem running to the deck — his red whis- 
kers was flappin' to and fro like a bandanna 
on a clothes-line. When he could get his 
breath he shouted : ''Stick to your ship, men. 
Where are you going?" ''Up to heaven," says 
one of the crew. Cap'n Drake was so flabber- 
gasted, he couldn't even cuss, and I never 
knowed a man that cud cuss as powerfully as 
the old Cap'n. When we was sixty or a hun- 
dred feet high — wasn't that it, Hal? 

S. O. S. Sixty or a hundred feet exactly. 



46 THE PROPHECY. 

F. O. S. Well, when we was sixty or a hun- 
dred feet high, the wind all at once died out, 
and down we kern, and we didn't stop comin* 
till we flopped right back on deck. 

(The two young sailors break into a laugh — the 
two old sailors grow very indignant.) 

F. Y. S. Uncle Bill, you don't expect us to 
swallow that yarn? 

F. O. S. (Rising. To S. O. S) Come away! 
(To young sailors) Humph ! Hal and me was 
bunkin' in a fo'castle afare you smart Alecks 
was out of your swaddlin' clothes. (The two 
old sailors go towards Exit L.) 

F. Y. S. (Hastening after them.) Come, 
Uncle Bill, don't get huffed ; we didn't mean to 
rile you. (Pulling out bottle.) Try some of 
this rum ; I just brought it home from Portugal. 

F. O. S. Do you take back what you said 
about swallying dem fac's? 

F. Y. S. Yes, I take it back. 

S. Y. S. I, too. 
(F. O. S. takes bottle. The four seat themselves 
as before. F. O. S. drinks.) 

F. O. S. (Makes a vain attempt to sing.) 
"Fling out the white sails ! Haste ! the lure 
of the sea bewitches" — Here, Hal (handing 
bottle to S. O. S.) you try. The ocean fogs 
has spiled my voice. 

S. O. S. (After imbibing, sings with poor 
success.) ''Fling out the white said! Haste! 
The lure of the sea bewitches" — 

F. O. S. Shut up, Hal. One of you young 
lads sing. (F. Y. S. nods to S. Y. S., who 



THE PROPHECY. 47 

sings — the quartette repeat the last two Hues 
as a refrain.) 

SONG. 

Fhng out the white sails! Haste! The lure of the sea 
Bewitches our souls, O my mariners brave! 

Our bark Hke a captive bird yearns to be free, 

And wing its swift flight o'er the turbulent wave. 

Away from the land to the surge-cresting foam! 
God's ocean alone is the sailor's true home. 

The storm-king exults, as he frees the fierce gale, 
Hurls high the huge billows: "My prey shall ye 
be!" 

Dark danger is nigh, yet our hearts never quail. 
The Lord watches o'er his stanch sons of the sea. 

Away from the land to the surge-cresting foam! 
God's ocean alone is the sailor's true home. 

F. O. S. (Looking- towards L.) Who's dem 
coming? 

(Richard. and Captain Cromwell enter L in hot 
haste.) 

Richard. This is very annoying. Where 
could he have escaped? I was sure we would 
find him here, waiting for a vessel to carry 
him ofif to France. I can't explain the mys- 
tery. 

Captain. It's a mystery to me, too, unless 
he has sought death in these waters. 

Richard. No, no, not he. (Gazing towards 
R.) I wonder could he possibly have got 
away on the ship that I descry in the distance? 

Captain. It can't be very long since the ves- 
sel left the wharf. 

Richard. (Looking towards L.) Goodness! 
Here comes the Earl. I'm glad we sent the 



48 THE PROPHECY. 

men back to the barracks. Captain, not a 
word, mind; to him or any one else about my 
connection with you and the soldiers. I will 
reward you richly for your silence. (Earl 
rushes in L, followed by his servant William.) 

Earl. You here, Richard ! Where is Ed- 
mund? 

Richard. I am sorry, uncle, I cannot tell 
you. I traced his steps to this wharf — 

Earl. So did we. And he is not here ! Where 
can he be? 

Richard. He seems to have vanished. What 
a pity ! I thought I would make you happy by 
bringing him home to you this morning. 

Earl. I must find my boy, if I have to search 
all England. Tell me, Richard, what shall I 
do? 

Richard. Really, uncle, I do not know what 
to suggest. I just now had an idea — perhaps 
these sailors can throw some light on the mys- 
tery. (Addressing sailors.) I say, men, did 
any of you notice a strange youth about the 
dock this morning? 

F. O. S. (Stepping forward and saluting.) 
A tall handsome-looking youngster with light 
hair? 

S. O. S. Dressed in black. 

Earl. That is he, my son. 

F. O. S. Yes, sir, a lad of them descriptions 
kem to this dock a short while ago. We didn't 
ha' a chance to speak to him, but we could see 



THE PROPHECY. 49 

he was a good bit flustered. I aint certain 
whether he is the one you mean. 

Earl. Yes, yes. Where did he go? 

F. O. S. (Pointing towards R.) Can you 
sight a vessel aw^ay out there? 

Earl. (Looking towards R.) Yes, I can 
make it out quite clearly. 

F. O. S. I seen him board that brig. 

Richard. For what place is she bound? 

F. O. S. For Calais, sir, France. 

Earl. My God! (Totters, William supports 
him. Exit L Captain.) 

Richard. Is there no w^ay of reaching the 
ship? This is the young man's father, the 
Earl of Northumberland. 

F. O. S. I am very sorry, but if he was the 
King's son you couldn't ketch that brig now. 

Richard. Too bad, too bad. But cheer up, 
uncle, Edmund loves you too much to remain 
away long. (Earl shakes his head desponding- 
ly. Exeunt sailors L.) 

William. \[y lord, had we not now better 
return home? 

Earl. I have a home no longer. The joy 
of my house has departed on that ship. (Looks 
after ship. Exit L Richard. Earl musing.) He 
may return, he loves me. No, he loves me no 
more. How he must despise me ! Oh, if I 
could only tell him my sorrow for that hateful 
deed ! (Enter L Richard in haste, accom- 
panied by a messenger.) 



50 THE PROPHECY. 

Richard. (Eagerly.) Uncle, a message. 

Earl. A message ! From whom ? 

Messenger. (Handing note to Earl.) Sir 
Edmund gave me this note before the ship de- 
parted, and requested me to deliver it into 
your hands. I was hastening to Percy Manor, 
when someone told me I should find you here. 

Earl. (Giving coin to messenger.) You do 
not know how grateful I am to you. (Exit L 
messenger.) 

WilHam. (While Earl is opening the note.) 
My lord, Richard and I will retire. I shall 
await you at the entrance of the wharf. 

Earl. Faithful W^illiam. And Edmund loved 
you too. 

William. Xot more than I loved Sir Ed- 
mund. I would give my life for his sake. 
(Exit William L, followed reluctantly by 
Richard.) 

Earl. (Reads.) "My beloved father," ah, 
he loves me still. "I sail from England this 
morning. Aly heart is breaking at the thought 
of leaving you, but God calls, and I must obey." 
He loves God better than me. "I have asked 
the Lord to accept my life in return for the 
eternal salvation of my dear father." To die 
for me, think of it, after m}- base outrage upon 
him! "My father, the path you are now tread- 
ing will lead you to eternal misery. To win 
the fickle favor of a mortal king, you have sac- 
rificed the friendship of the immortal King of 
kings. To satisfy an unholy ambition, you 



THE PROPHECY. 51 

have imbrued your hands in the blood of the 
very saints of God." How his words smite my 
conscience ! "For the sake of fleeting earthly 
gain, you have forsaken the true faith, the 
faith which ni}- dead mother and you nurtured 
in my heart when I was a child.' Alas, too 
true, Edmund, too true ! "O, I beseech you, 
stifle not your warning conscience, turn away 
from the road of destruction, return to the 
faith of our noble ancestors/ the saving faith of 
Christ ! Life is short, eternity is forever. Fare- 
well, dearest father, till we meet, I trust, in 
heaven. Your Edmund." 

Earl. (After rubbing tears from his eyes, 
turns towards the receding ship.) Noble 
youth ! You would die for me. Your innocent 
life for my guilty soul. Oh, I am a father un- 
worthy of such a son. "Turn from the path 
of destruction." Yes, you say truly destruc- 
tion. Oh, that this craven heart had your cour- 
age, Edmund. "Farewell, till we meet, I trust, 
in heaven." Till we meet in heaven ! Heaven 
for you, no heaven for me ! However, for your 
sake, Edmund, God may forgive me. (Wav- 
ing his hand to ship.) Farewell, mv bov, fare- 
well. 

CURTAIN. 



52 THE PROPHECY 

ACT IV. 
Scene I. 

Time — 1545, ten years after. Late morning. Ed- 
mund, now a priest, has returned to England by 
commission of the Pope. He visits his father's 
home in London. 

SCENE— Former Chapter Hall of the Charter 
House, which hitter is at present the city residence 
of the Earl of Northumberland. No alterations have 
been made in the room, save that, instead of the 
monastic pictures, benches, etc., drawing-room fur- 
niture has been installed. The statue of the Blessed 
Virgin still remains in its old place, but is unadorned. 
A low sofa rests in the rear of the apartment. 

(Edmund, robed in a cassock, and William, much 
aged, enter R.) 

Edmund. Ah, William, I know the hallowed 
spot well — the old chapter hall. And our Lady's 
statue ! William, dear, may I not meditate 
here alone for a while? 

William. Certainly, Sir Edmund. 

Edmund. I pray you, do not call me Sir 
Edmund. 1 am no longer a nobleman, only an 
humble priest. (Richard casts a hasty glance 
at theni through window in rear, and then dis- 
appears unseen.) 

William. Yes, Sir — father. His lordship, 
and Richard, I think, are absent. I shall watch 
at the lodge for them. When I see either ap- 
proach, I shall hasten to inform you, so that 
you may have time to conceal yourself. (Exit 
L William.) 

Edmund. What sweet and bitter recollec- 
tions this place brings to my mind ! I seem to 



THE PROPHECY. 53 

see before me the saintly Prior John and his 
holy monks, sons he was wont to call them. 
Worthy sons of a noble father! Would to 
God that I may be steadfast unto death as 
they. Happy days of my childhood when I 
used to roam with joyous heart through this 
sacred cloister. God is good that he hides 
from us the future. O sacrilege ! My own 
father the despoiler of God's, sanctuary, the 
slayer of God's saints. But thank God, his old 
love for the Blessed Virgin still endures, he 
has spared my favorite statue. How I loved 
to kneel at the feet of our Lady and ask her in 
my childish way to bless my dear father and 
mother. (Kneels before statue in silent prayer, 
resting head on base of statue.) 

Richard. (Enters cautiously R and looks 
sharply at Edmund. Aside.) Yes, it is he. It 
is Edmund. This time I shall make sure of his 
capture. (Exit L.) 

Edmund. (Raising his head.) O Mother 
of God and Mother mine, thou art the con- 
soler of the afflicted, listen to me, thy afflicted 
child. Save the soul of my poor father. Griev- 
ously he has sinned, but O, art not thou the 
refuge of sinners? God is justly angry with 
him, I know, but one prayer from thee will 
appease the divine wrath. Speak that prayer, 
I beseech thee. Oflfer to God my life as an 
atonement for the sins of my father, my blood 
for his soul. O dear Mother, thou wilt not, 
thou canst not refuse — save my father. 



54 THE PROPHECY. 

William. (Enters L in haste.) His lord- 
ship is returning-. Richard, too, is home. Haste, 
Sir Ed — father, to the hiding chamber. 

(Exeunt R Edmund and WilHam. After a short 
interval Earl, looking quite old and haggard, enters 
L.) 

Earl. (In soliloquy.) No peace for my soul. 
Time will not blot out the past. Like hideous 
spectres the wrongs I have done are ever 
haunting me. A curse upon my ambition! 
What has the vile thing brought me? Honors? 
They weary and disgust me. Pleasures? I 
have no heart to enjoy them. Riches? The 
malediction of God rests on them. Oh, the 
burden of guilt that oppresses my conscience ! 
And to die and face my God ! Death ! I seem 
to-day to feel the touch of its cold hand. Ah, 
if Edmund were here. He could save my soul 
from perdition — he alone. Edmund, Edmund, 
come and save me. (Pauses.) If I could only 
pray. But I am afraid of God — God hates me. 
(Looks towards statue of Blessed Virgin.) 
Wilt thou listen to me? I have always loved 
thee. I have no fear of thee, thou art the 
mother of all, even of wicked sinners like my- 
self. (Kneels before statue and prays.) I am 
not worthy. Mother of God, to ask thee for a 
favor. But I must see my son before I die. 
My good angel tells me, Edmund will stand 
between me and my God. Thou art a mother, 
O, I ask thee to give me back my son. I wish 
to amend mv life, I wish to make reparation for 
the past. Edmund will be my guide to eter- 
nity, my support in death. Blessed Lady, do 



THE PROPHECY. 55 

not refuse me — Edmund is my only hope — 
bring him back to me. Hear me, hear me ! 

Layton. (Enters L hastily, holding paper in 
hand.) Give me my money! 

Earl. (Rising up.) WHio bade you enter 
and disturb me? 

Layton. You promised me money, if I 
should help to prevent an outbreak of the 
people in favor of the Charter House monks. 
Besides, here is a paper signed by you prom- 
ising me two hundred pounds for revealing 
certain very important information. Many a 
a time in the past ten years I have sought to 
get what was due to me, but you have always 
refused even to see me. I will be put off no 
longer, I demand my money. 

Earl. Clear out of here, you scoundrel. If 
you even enter this house again I will have 
you arrested. 

Layton. 1 wdll not stir a step, till I get w^hat 
you owe me. 

Earl. Did you hear me ? Clear out ! 

Layton. (Folds his arms across breast. De- ' 
fiantly.) Give me my money. 

Earl rushes at Layton and tries to eject him. 
Layton throws off Earl.) 

Layton. Give me my money, I say. 

Earl. (Calls.) William! Robert! Call the 
police! (Earl again advances towards Lay- 
ton. The latter takes from his breast a dagger. 
Earl draws back in astonishment.) 



56 THE PROPHECY. 

Layton. (With uplifted dag-ger.) Give me 
m}^ money, or I'll have your life. 

Earl. What! (Attempts to draw sword. 
Whilst he fumbles with scabbard, Layton 
rushes upon him and plunges dagger into his 
breast.) 

Layton. (Withdrawing dagger.) There! 

Earl. (As he falls.) Help, help! (Sinks 
unconscious to the ground.) 

Layton. (Plurriedly searches Earl's coat, 
and takes out a purse which he puts into his 
pocket.) I'll have something. 

(Robert and Thomas enter L in haste. Layton 
advances towards them with raised dagger.) 

Layton. Let me pass ! (They both rush at 
Layton. The latter makes a lunge at Robert 
who dodges the blow. Thomas raises Lay- 
ton's arm, and the dagger flies in the air. They 
seize Layton and bear him to the floor. Rob- 
ert pulls some cord from his pocket and quick- 
ly binds Lay ton's hands in front of his body.) 

Thomas. Tie his arms securely. Bob. 

William. (Enters R and manifests horror at 
the sight of Earl's body. He then calls.) Rob- 
ert, come hither a moment. (Robert hurries 
over to William, while Thomas stands guard 
over Layton. William speaks to Robert.) 
Help me place his lordship on the sofa. (The 
two carry Earl's body to sofa. William then 
hastens away R to call Edmund. Robert joins 
Thomas.) 

Thomas. Come, Bob, we'll drag the hound 



THE PROPHECY. 57 

to the librar}^, and send for the poHce. (They 
take hold of Layton's feet and haul him L, 
out of the room. After they have left, William 
followed by Edmund enters hurriedly R. Wil- 
liam points to sofa. Edmund draws back as 
he beholds body of Earl.) 

Edmund. ]\Iy poor father ! God have mercy 
on his soul ! (They hasten to Earl's side, and 
bend anxiously over him.) 

William. He breathes, he lives. (Cries into 
ear of Earl.) My lord, my lord! (To Ed- 
mund.) He hears not, he is unconscious. 

Edmund. (Kneels just behind Earl and 
calls.) Father, father ! 

Earl. (Stirs feebly.) Aly son is calling. 
Mother of God, pray for me, Jesus, have pity 
on me. (Sees William.) William, I am dying, 
get a priest. 

Edmund. I am a priest. (Makes a sign to 
William to withdraw. Exit R William.) 

Earl. The voice of my Edmund. You are 
a priest? 

Edmund. Yes, fa — yes. 

Earl. Thank God, a priest. Oh Father, I 
have been a great sinner, absolve me before I 
die, forgive me my sins, my sins, my many 
sins. I am sorry, my God, I am sorry. I will 
right the past. Oh, my guilt! Jesu, mercy! 

Edmund. (Makes sign of cross over Earl.) 
God has forgiven you. 

Earl. Forgiven ? God be praised ! Edmund 
has saved mv soul. 



58 THE PROPHECY. 

Edmund. Xo, father, our Lady has sav^ed 
you. 

Earl. Yes, our dear Lady. Is that you, Ed- 
mund? No, you are a priest. I thought you 
were my son. (Growing weaker.) Edmund, 
Edmund, come to me before I die. 

Ermund. ( Rising and bending over face of 
Earl.) Edmund does forgive you. Father, I 
am Edmund. 

Earl. (Raises himself with an effort, looks 
earnestly for a moment at Edmund, and then 
throws his arms about the latter's neck.) Ed- 
mund ! My son, my angel. (Dying.) God — ■ 
bless — fare — well — heaven ! 

Edmund. Father! (Looks intently at Earl.) 
He is dead. (Replaces Earl on sofa. Kneels 
and looks up to heaven.) God of mercy, Thou 
hast heard my prayer. Xow do with me what 
Thou wilt. 

Richard. (Enters L. Draws back startled.) 
The Earl — blood — dead ? 

Edmund. (Rising.) Yes, my fa — the Earl 
has been murdered. (William looks in R, and 
then retires quickly.) 

Richard. Murdered ! I am now the Earl of 
Northumberland. Murdered ! And in the old 
chapter hall of the Carthusians ! The Prior's 
prophecy ! 

Edmund. (Approaching Richard.) Richard, 
you know who I am. I beg you to make your 
peace with God before it is too late. The 
mercy of the Lord is infinite. 



THE PROPHECY. 59 

Richard. (Shows hesitation, as though Ed- 
mund's words had made a good impression. He 
then abruptly turns away from Edmund. 
Aside.) And I have betrayed him to death. 

(William and Robert enter R bearing a stretcher, 
and place Earl's body on the same. Edmund gazes 
sadly on the face of his father.) 

Richard. . (Notices dagger on floor.) The 
dagger of an assassin ! Before the statue ! Just 
as Prior John prophesied. Will the rest of his 
prophecy come true? "Within twenty-four 
hours" — oh, it's nonsense, I must forget it. 

(William and Robert proceed to carry the corpse 
towards R, followed by Edmund, when suddenly at 
L enter Captain Cromwell and six soldiers.) 

Captain. (To Richard.) Richard, where is 
the traitor-priest you summoned us to capture? 
(Richard in a half-daze pays no attention to 
him.) Ah, that must be he! (Pointing to- 
wards Edmund.) I arrest What! (Hastens 

across room and looks at dead body on stretch- 
er.) The Earl of Xorthumberland ! I see 
blood — (Sees dagger on floor) and a dagger — 
he has been stabbed! (Exeunt William and 
Robert w^ith corpse at R. Captain addresses 
Richard.) Has there been foul play. (Rich- 
ard makes no reply.) Richard Percy, speak, 
what does all this mean? Has the Earl been 
murdered ?* 

Richard. Captain Cromwell, address me for 
the future as Your Lordship. (W^illiam enters 
R, picks up dagger, and puts the same into 
his pocket.) 

Edmund. (To Captain.) Yes, sir, the Earl 



60 THE PROPHECY. 

of Northumberland has been foully murdered. 
Captain. (To Edmund.) By whom? Ah, 
3^ou are the murderer! I see blood on your 
clothes. 

(Edmund advances excitedly towards Captain, 
but in a moment calms himself.) 

William. (To Captain.) How dare you 
charge the death of the Earl to his — to — to 
this innocent priest? (Enter L Robert and 
Thomas, holding between them the trembling 
Layton, his hands still bound.) There (Point- 
ing to Layton.) there is the murderer of my 
late master. (Addressing Layton.) Layton 
Legh, did you not plunge this dagger (show- 
ing dagger.) into the breast of his lordship? 

Layton. (Falls on knees.) O mercy, I was 
not to blame — the Earl refused to give me my 
money. Mercy, Captain, I did not mean to 
kill him. Spare me. Do not put me to death. 
Mercy, mercy ! 

Edmund. Yes, show mercy to the poor 
wretch. 

Captain. Bedyll and Rice, seize the villain 
and confine him in the Tower to await trial 
for murder. (Two soldiers advance towards 
Layton.) 

Layton. (Appealing to Richard.) Richard, 
save me. I was ahvays your friend, help me. 

Richard. (Turning from Layton.) Take 
him away ! 

(The two soldiers seize Layton, lift him to his 
feet, and are obliged to haul him away.) 

Layton. (As he is carried ofif L.) Mercy, 



THE PROPHECY. 61 

don't kill me, spare me, mercy, mercy ! 
(Exeunt L Robert and Thomas.) 

(In the meantime William has been urging Ed- 
mund to make his escape. Edmund seems loth to 
flee, but William half-draws him towards R. The 
Captain, however, perceives their intention.) 

Captain. (To Edmund.) Another step, and 
I'll run this sword through your body. Try- 
ing to escape, are you? (Edmund and William 
halt.) 

Richard. (Aside.) His blood will be on my 
head. (To Captain.) Captain, let him depart, 
he is innocent. 

Captain. (After drawing close to Edmund 
and gazing steadily at him.) This is the Earl's 
son, or my name is not Cromwell. (To Rich- 
ard.) Richard — excuse me — my lord, what do 
you mean? Innocent? (Addressing Edmund.) 
Are you not Sir Edmund Percy, the traitor? 

Edmund. Believe me, sir, I am no traitor. 
Never has hand of mine been raised against 
the King's Majesty or my country. I have 
consecrated my life to winning the souls of 
my fellow-countrymen for God and heaven. 
(Uplifting his arm.) I call the Lord to wit- 
ness — ■ 

Captain. (Interrupting.) A waste of breath. 
Are you Sir Edmund Percy, the traitor-priest? 

Edmund. I am Edmund Percy, priest of 
God, but no traitor. 

Captain. Men-at-arms, seize the rebel and 
conduct him to the Tower. (Soldiers surround 
Edmund.) 



62 THE PROPHECY. 

William. (Advancing before Captain.) I, 
too, am guilty of treason. 

Captain. You guilty of treason ? 

William. Yes, sir. I would sooner be 
hanged and quartered than swear that abomin- 
able Supremacy Oath. Arrest me as well as 
my master. I hold, contrary to your impious 
law, that the Pope, and not any King of Eng- 
land, is the Head of the Church. If Father Ed- 
mund is worthy of death, so am I. 

Captain. Another traitor ! (To William.) 
You are so anxious to die with your Father Ed- 
mund, never fear, you shall have your wish. 
Soldiers, seize both prisoners and follow me. 
(Soldiers seize Edmund and William.) 

William. (To Edmund.) Father, we shall 
go to heaven together. 

Edmund. (To William.) Faithful unto 
death ! God bless 3^ou ! 

(Exeunt L Captain, William and Edmund, the 
two latter between guards.) 

Richard. (Looking towards L.) Innocent 
blood, innocent blood ! W^hat evil spirit pos- 
sessed me to denounce Edmund to the author- 
ities? How could an outlawed priest .injure 
my prospects? (Turns and advances towards 
R,) However, it is too late now ; what is done 
cannot be undone. At last, at last I am the 
master of Northumberland. (Stops at R, then 
draws back.) No, I don't want to see that 
body again. "The day will come when in this 
very chapter hall, before the statue of our 
Lady, the dagger of an assassin will pierce 



THE PROPHECY. 63 

your breast, and within twenty-four hours af- 
ter will follow the death of your son and your 
nephew." It makes me shudder. (Pauses.) 
Make my peace with God before it is too late? 
(Pauses.) It is too late. Ah, fiddlesticks, stop 
playing the fool. Rejoice, rejoice, now that the 
summit of your ambition is attained. "Within 
twenty-four hours'' — there it is again. I shall 
soon lose my mind. Away disturbing phan- 
tom ! Let me enjoy my new honors for which 
i have so long waited. (Whilst Richard is 
proceeding rapidlv towards Exit L, curtain 
+rJis.) ' '_ 

Scene II. 

Time — Early morning of next day. 

SCENE — A wood? in the suburbs of London. 

On the right side should be placed a little mound, 
and in the rear centre some shrubbery. 

Edlmund, wearing a mantle, and William enter 
L, hi'MUi; '\=caped from prison through the aid of 
Robin Ruff.) 

Edmund. I presume we are safe here. We 
can rest a little before we go further. 

William. Father, we must escape on some 
vessel as quickly as possible. We are safe 
nowhere, as long as we abide in England. If 
we had only found time to don a disguise. 

Edmund. We are in God's hands, William. 

William. Who would have thought that 
this morning we should be hiding in the woods 
of Sheen, instead of being dragged to execution 
at Tvburn? 



64 THE PROPHECY. 

Edmund. You are right, it is wonderful. I 
never realized the affection old Robin Ruff 
cherished for me. 

William. The poor have a long memory and 
a p:rateful heart. You were a true friend to 
him in the old days. 

Edmund. Perhaps we should have remained 
in the Tower. The poor fellow may get into 
serious trouble for helping us to escape. 

William. I do not think so. There are a 
number of keepers employed in the Tower; 
the Sheriff will not be able to place the blame. 

Edmund. I hope so. (Faint cries are heard 
in the distance. Edmund and William are 
startled.) They are overtaking us. (Cries 
grow louder: "Within twenty-four hours." I 
must die, I must die !) 

William. No, there seems to be only one 
voice. Is not the sound familiar to you? 

Edmund. Can it be Richard pursuing me? 

William. Let us hide behind this shrubbery. 
He will see us if we remain here. (They both 
conceal themselves.) 

Richard. (Rushing in L wildly.) The blood 
of Edmund is on me. Behold, they are now 
leading him out to death — he kneels — he prays. 
Edmund praj^s for me? No, he cannot pray 
for his murderer. Now he stands beneath the 
gallows — see, he hangs — they torture him — 
his lips move in prayer — ^^ah, he dies. His in- 
nocent blood is on my head. ''Within twenty- 
four hours." My God, I cannot escape. (Draws 



THE PROPHECY. 65 

dagger.) Die wretch, the devil is waiting for 
your soul. (Stabs himself and falls on mound. 
Edmund and William hasten towards him.) 

Edmund. Mother of God ! What a death ! 
(Withdraws dagger from Richard's breast.) 
He lives ! 

William. Father, let us hasten away. The 
Sheriff's men will soon be upon us. 

Edmund. I cannot let my poor cousin die in 
that state ; I must try to save his soul. ( Kneels 
beside Richard.) 

William. (Seizing Edmund's arm.) Father 
Edmund, come. You need not risk your life 
for this persecutor and murderer. 

Edmund. No, William, I will take Christ's 
revenge. "Do good to them that hate you." 

William. (Aside.) A saint! ( Addressing- 
Edmund.) Be quick then. Father. I will keep 
a lookout for the soldiers. (Exit William L.) 

Edmund. (Calling to Richard.) Richard, 
Richard ! 

Richard. (Stirring a little.) His spirit pur- 
sues me. 

Edmund. Richard, repent, God will forgive 
you. 

Richard. Pie mocks me — forgive, forgive 
me? 

Edmund. Remember the good thief on the 
cross. Repent and God will pardon all. I am 
a priest. 

Richard. I have murdered a priest! His 



66 THE PROPHECY, 

blood is on my soul. 

William. (Entering L in haste.) Sir Ed- 
mund, Father, I see Captain Cromwell and his 
men comino-. Hasten, flee, they will capture 
you. 

Edmund. (Rises as if to flee, then looking 
towards heaven.) Xo, my Jesus! Thou didst 
not refuse to die for me. (Kneels again be- 
side Richard.) 

William. (Aside.) How like our Lord ! I 
will hasten ahead and try to hold them by sur- 
rendering myself. (Exit L William.) 

Edmund. (Leaning over Richard.) Rich- 
ard, Richard ! 

Richard. Not Richard. I am the Lord of 
Northumberland. Earl Henry is dead. Ed- 
mund is — T killed him, I killed him! 

Edmund. No, Richard, Edmund lives. I 
am Edmund, 3' our cousin. 

Richard. Away, away ! Innocent blood, in- 
nocent blood. 

Edmund. Absolution — God's pardon before 
you die. Are you sorry for your sins ? 

Richard. (Feebly.) My sins, my soul ! My 
sins, my soul! (Stronger.) I must not die! 
"Within twenty-four hours." (Raising him- 
self in terror.) Save me, save me! (Falling 
back.) Oh— oh— I am lost ! (Dies. Edmund 
in deep sorrow. Tramping of feet is heard out- 
side at L.) 

Captain Cromwell. (Outside.) Be alert, 
men, the traitor must be near. 



THE PROPHECY. 67 

Edmund. ( Looking towards heaven.) My 
God, I will die for Thee, and live forever. 
{ Rises and advances towards L, to centre of 
stage. Captain and many soldiers rush in, fol- 
lowed timidly by some peasants, men and chil- 
dren.) 

Captain. ( To Edmund.) Ah ! Caught ! This 
time you shall not escape. (To soldiers.) Men- 
at-arms, the Sheriit's orders are to lead the 
prisoners directlv to execution at Tyburn. Sur- 
round the rebel-priest. (Soldiers gather about 
Edmund, but in such a way as to allow the au- 
dience an unobstructed view of him. Ed- 
mund, looking up to heaven, prays silently.) 

Captain. (Sees body of Richard.) Richard, 
the new Earl of Northumberland ! Dead ! 
(Pointing at Edmund.) Can he be the mur- 
derer? (To soldiers.) Latimer and London, 
remain here, and guard this body till the proper 
authorities arrive and order its removal. (Two 
soldiers advance and stand guard over the 
body of Richard. A light from heaven shines 
upon Edmund — he falls to his knees. The 
peasants, particularly the children, draw near 
to Edmund, and gaze on him with awe.) 

Captain. (Addressing Edmund.) Finish 
your prayer quickly — it shall be your last. 

(The following picture should be made as joy- 
ful and impressive as possible, to dissipate the gloom 
of Richard's death. A spot-light from above should 
be cast on Edmund. If possible, two angels may 
appear on high, one holding a crown, the other a 
palm. Angel voices sing: Rejoice, rejoice! Thine 
IS the crown of victory. Rejoice, rejoice, alleluja!) 



FEB 18 19tl 

68 



THE PROPHECY. 



Edmund. (In rapture. Gentle music.) 
Heaven ! Angels' voices ! A crown, a palm ! 
The white-robed martyrs ! Prior John ! My 
mother ! Ah, is ni}^ father saved ? Thanks he 
to God ! Now dost Thou dismiss Thy servant, 
O Lord, according to Thy word in peace. 

TABLEAU. 




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